How far in advance should employees prepare for an appraisal by reviewing their diaries or files?

• A. About two weeks before the review.
• B. A day before the review.
• C. After the supervisor requests information.
• D. Only for successful projects.

Answer: (A)

Proactive, organized self-review and evidence gathering is essential for a meaningful appraisal. Preparing two weeks in advance gives you time to reflect on your performance, pull together diaries and files, and gather concrete examples, metrics, and documents that demonstrate your achievements and progress toward goals. It also lets you draft a clear self-assessment, align your talking points with expected outcomes, identify development needs, and plan any questions or topics you want to discuss with your supervisor. Rushing the process or waiting for a request leads to a partial or rushed picture and misses opportunities to present a full, evidence-based view. Reviewing only successful projects ignores ongoing work and areas for growth, so it’s important to consider the whole scope of your responsibilities.